Bring on the Queensland Derby and Krug, says Ray, as Dealer shows his courage again

Trainer Ray Green is looking forward to next Saturday’s A$100,000 Queensland Derby after American Dealer again showed rare courage to win tonight’s South East Derby at Albion Park in Brisbane.

For the second week on end Lincoln Farms’ little bulldog had to make a solo run three wide in the last lap, and even though driver Anthony Butt had to move as far out as the bell tonight, it didn’t stop American Dealer.

“You could see Ants was trying to flush something out but it didn’t happen,” said Green.

Despite the overland trip American Dealer found reserves to stave off a late run by Captain Crusader who came off his back to get within 1.1 metres.

The leaders ran their last 800 metres in 56 and 400 in 27.5 but American Dealer’s sectionals would have been far more impressive as he powered to a 1:54.5 mile rate win for the 2138 metres.

A sulky cam shot of Captain Crusader chasing American Dealer up the home straight.Green believes the longer 2680 metres of next week’s Queensland Derby will only help his colt when he takes on arch rival Krug.

“You’d have to say he’s going to be one of the hardest to beat next week. Of course the draw will have a bearing on that.

“But he’s a proper littler tradesman, a real trooper and he’s pulled up great too.”

Green said Butt’s chances were helped by the “masochistic” antics of some of the Queensland drivers who liked leading.

“In a way that set it up for us as the leader (Bar Room Banta) caved in to finish only fifth.”

Butt, who started from the outside of the gate, was able to manoeuvre American Dealer into the running line early and thought he was in a perfect position, four back on the outer, following Bondi Lockdown.

“They drive that horse aggressively and always pull out so I was very surprised when he stayed in. It left us exposed but I knew they’d gone so hard early up front and the way he went last week gave me confidence.”

American Dealer staves off Captain Crusader, outer, Bettor Call Me (rails), Delightful Dude (1) and Bar Room Banta (2).Butt believes next Saturday’s Queensland Derby is shaping up to be a great clash.

“OK, Krug wasn’t there tonight but the rest of them were a good lot. It will come down to the draws and luck in the running. If we draw well and Krug draws badly it could turn the tables. American Dealer has shown in New Zealand he’s not far behind Krug. He’s a wee ripper and he’s getting better and better.”

American Dealer again was the subject of heavy support, his opening $5.50 odds shrinking to $3.20 in Australia where he started equal favourite with Bar Room Banta.

The A$17,955 winning purse took his earnings in four Australian starts to A$38,608.

American co-owner Gordon Banks was full of praise for both Green and Butt.

“What a great training job by Ray, acclimating him to Albion Park and a confident winning drive by Anthony.

“I thought the horse raced super. He really is tough and determined - he had to be tonight to go three wide uncovered for the last half mile into a 56 last half.”